Sawt Falasteen - Lucu replaces injured Dupont as France make two changes for Italy

Dupont has undergone surgery on a broken cheekbone suffered in France's last Pool A match against Namibia two weeks ago.

While the inspirational half-back is expecting to return to the team during the tournament, he has yet to be given the green light.

Lucu got the nod over Baptiste Couilloud, who starts on the bench against the Azzurri, as he did for the 96-0 thrashing of Namibia.

The only other change to the starting lineup for Friday's match in Lyon sees Gregory Alldritt returning at No.8, with Anthony Jelonch moving to blindside and Francois Cros dropping to the bench.

Charles Ollivon captains the side from openside in the absence of Dupont, for the first time July 2022.

France must avoid defeat against the Azzurri to book their quarter-final spot, while a victory will guarantee them first pace in the pool.

They have not lost to Italy since 2013 and only three times in 47 Tests.

Team (15-1)

Thomas Ramos; Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Louis Bielle-Biarrey; Matthieu Jalibert, Maxime Lucu; Gregory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon (capt), Anthony Jelonch; Thibaud Flament, Cameron Woki; Uini Atonio, Peato Mauvaka, Cyril Baille

Replacements: Pierre Bourgarit, Reda Wardi, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Francois Cros, Baptiste Couilloud, Yoram Moefana, Melvyn Jaminet

Coach: Fabien Galthie (FRA)

K.AbuDahab--SF-PST